In the lovely town of Worthing in West Sussex, England, residents often experience issues with blocked drains. As seemingly mundane as the problem might appear, blocked drains can cause serious damages if not promptly attended to. Understanding what causes blockages in drains is essential, as it is the first step towards preventing or fixing related issues.
To begin with, one of the most common causes of blocked drains in Worthing and around the world is the buildup of hair. Hair can easily get trapped inside the drain and accumulate over time, leading to a blockage. It may not seem significant at first, but when you consider the amount of hair that goes down the drain over several weeks or months, it can easily form a sizable clog. Fortunately, there are drain guards explicitly designed to prevent this issue which can be easily installed and cleaned regularly.
Next on the list of common offenders are fats and oils, which solidify when they cool. Despite being a liquid in hot or warm state, fats and oils solidify upon reaching lower temperatures, causing a sticky mass that adheres to the pipe walls. This slowly reduces the pipeline’s cross-sectional area thus hindering the natural flow of water and leading to a blockage. To prevent this, it’s recommended to dispose of oils and fats in the rubbish bin, rather than the sink.
In Worthing, another major culprit behind blocked drains is the buildup of foreign objects. This can include anything from small toys and cooking utensils to sanitary products and wet wipes, which should never be flushed down toilets or sinks. Children, in particular, may unintentionally be responsible for such blockages as they often play around water fixtures and might drop their toys in drains. To prevent this, residents are advised to educate their households about what can and can’t be flushed down the toilet or sink.
Another prevalent issue is the invasion of tree roots. Although this might not be an immediate concern for apartments or urban homes, it’s a significant problem for suburban or rural households with significant foliage. Tree roots instinctively grow towards the nearest water source, often being drain lines. These roots can penetrate even the smallest cracks in the pipes, thereby growing and eventually blocking the drain entirely.
Residents might also face blockages due to a collapsed or damaged drain pipe. Factors like subsidence, poor installation, or the wear and tear over a long period, can cause the pipe to degrade or collapse. When this happens, it disrupts the line, leading to serious drainage issues which are often more complex to resolve. In such situations, it’s beneficial to seek the help of drain and plumbing experts who have the necessary knowledge, skills, and equipment to handle the situation.
Lastly, the buildup of minerals from hard water can also lead to blocked drains. Worthing’s water supply, like many areas in the UK, is categorised as blocked drains worthing hard. This means it naturally contains a higher level of minerals, which can accumulate and calcify inside the pipe over time, leading to blockages.
While these are some of the common causes of blocked drains in Worthing, it’s imperative to remember that prevention is better than cure. Regular maintenance checks and prompt action at the first sign of a blockage can save residents from bigger headaches down the line. However, when a serious blockage happens, it would be best to call in professionals that provide drain unblocking and repairs services to ensure a thorough and safe solution.